Japan's Recently Appointed Prime Minister Seeks to Benefit from Abe's Connection in Important Talks with Trump.
The nation's freshly appointed leader, Sanae Takaichi, is ready to undertake her primary foreign policy challenge as she engages with former US President Trump for high-stakes talks in Tokyo.
The agenda of their summit is expected to revolve around trade and defense matters, signaling a key juncture for Tokyo's ties with its powerful ally.
A Significant Premiership and International Debut
The new PM, who recently became Japan's initial woman leader after winning the top position of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, had her global introduction at the recent ASEAN meeting.
But, her forthcoming meeting with Trump is regarded as the real test that will set the tone for future bilateral relations.
Handling Internal and Global Challenges
Takaichi confronts a possibly shaky political landscape, having established a partnership that leaves her a couple of votes away of a controlling number in the powerful chamber of parliament.
This means, her government will depend on opposition lawmakers to pass laws, introducing a layer of complexity to her leadership.
Shared Views and Differing Interests
Takaichi shares Trump's wariness of Chinese defense activities in the Asia-Pacific, but each nations have experienced issues from his "America-first" trade approach.
Recently, Trump oversaw a truce deal between Thai and Cambodia authorities on the first leg of his Asian visit.
Defense Expansion and Budget Commitments
Takaichi has stated her determination to accelerate Japan's military build-up, planning to increase defense expenditure to two percent of gross domestic product by the close of the fiscal year.
This move matches a long-held demand from the former US leader and signifies the biggest military expansion for Japan since the WWII.
Security Partnership and Tensions
The country has also moved to obtain "counterstrike" capabilities, including cruise weapons from the US, and intends to deploy domestically developed extended-range missiles.
But, the bilateral security agreement remains a point of tension, with Trump earlier suggesting that the nation should pay more for stationing American forces on its soil.
Trade Expectations and Negotiations
Few anticipate major concessions on trade issues this week, especially after recent duty adjustments provided a degree of ease to Japan's export sector.
The PM is likely to seek further benefits by promising increased purchases of American products, including pickup trucks, agricultural produce, and gas.
Personal Chemistry and the Abe Link
The importance Trump attributes to individual chemistry could work in Takaichi's advantage, given her strong relationship with assassinated ex-leader Abe, who was one of Trump's favorite world leaders.
He was the first foreign leader to visit Trump after his election, and the two built a close bond over shared interests such as the sport.
Upcoming Agenda and International Significance
The former president's visit to the country will start with a meeting with the Emperor at the royal residence in the capital.
This will be succeeded by talks with Takaichi at the state guest house, the very venue where he held talks with the former leader in previous years.
Subsequently, Trump will travel to the Republic of Korea for the Apec summit, where he is set to meet China's president Xi.